August 2005

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

LAURALEE BELL

(Christine Blair in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Lauralee Bell received a Soap Opera Digest Award as Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1999. Bell, who is the daughter of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS creators William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, began her daytime career with the series in 1977 at the age of 9 as an extra in a nonspeaking part and continued to make several more such appearances over the next five years. At 13, she was rewarded with a brief scene and a few lines in a role that slowly became a recurring one. Following her family's move from Chicago to Los Angeles, Bell became a full-time cast member while completing her senior year in high school in 1986. In addition to acting, Bell is an accomplished model and has appeared in many national publications. She also co-owns an upscale women's clothing boutique called On Sunset, which is located in West Hollywood. Bell is married to photographer Scott Martin. They have two children, Christian and Samantha. Her birth date is Dec. 22.

• * *

PETER BERGMAN

(Jack Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Peter Bergman joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as the multifaceted Jack Abbott in October 1989. He has received 12 consecutive Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor (1990-2002) for his work on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, winning the coveted award in 1991, 1992 and 2002. Bergman was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His father was in the United States Navy, and the family moved nine times before Bergman entered the eighth grade. Upon graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Bergman appeared in numerous regional theatrical productions and in several television commercials before landing his first role, as Dr. Cliff Warner in the daytime drama "All My Children" in 1979. He played the role until 1989, receiving a 1983 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Series. Additionally, Bergman guest-starred in the television film "Kojak," and in the television series "The Five Mrs. Buchanans" and "The Nanny," all on CBS. He starred in the PBS presentation of "Pity the Poor Soldier" and in the television movie "Woman on the Ledge." His television credits also include guest-starring roles in the films "Fantasies, Money, Power, Murder" and "Palomino." Bergman and his wife, Mariellen, live in Los Angeles and have two children, Connor and Clare. His birth date is June 11.

• * *

ROSCOE BORN

(Tom Fisher in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Roscoe Born joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 2005. Born in Topeka, Kan., Born grew up in Maryland. He attended Boston University's School of Fine Arts, and studied acting with Uta Hagen in New York. He also trained with Robert Prosky at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., where he began appearing in plays at the age of 18. Born's extensive theater credits include "Thief River" at the Eugene O'Neill Playwrights Conference, "Mistresses" at Ensemble Studio Theatre and "Fun" at Manhattan Punchline. He also appeared in "A Life in the Theater" at South Coast Repertory, for which he received a Dramalogue Award. A familiar face to fans of daytime drama, Born is best known for his stint as Mitch Laurence in "One Life to Live." He also played Robert Barr/Quinn Armitage in "Santa Barbara," and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance. His other daytime roles include Joe Novak in "Ryan's Hope" and Nick Rivers in "The City." In addition, Born was featured in the primetime series "Paper Dolls," the television movie "The Haunting of Sarah Hardy" and the independent film "Pow Wow Highway." In January 2005, Born narrated the National Geographic series "Rescue Warriors." Born lives in Los Angeles. His birth date is Nov. 24.

• * *

ERIC BRAEDEN

(Victor Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Eric Braeden joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as business tycoon Victor Newman in 1980. Braeden received Daytime Emmy Award nominations as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1990, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2004. He won the coveted award in 1998. Braeden was born Hans Gudegast in Kiel, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1959. Braeden lived in Texas for several years and worked in the University of Texas medical school lab before moving to Los Angeles, where he attended Santa Monica College. He joined a local semiprofessional soccer team while launching his acting career. Since beginning his career in 1961, he has appeared in more than 120 television series, as well as a number of television movies, including "The Judge and Mrs. Wyler" with Bette Davis, "Happily Ever After" with Suzanne Somers and Tyne Daly, and the Jackie Collins mini-series "Lucky." He has appeared in the feature films "Operation Eichmann," "The Ultimate Chase," "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" and "Morituri" with Marlon Brando. Braeden co-starred as John Jacob Astor in James Cameron's film "Titanic." His theater credits include "Kean," which marked the premiere production of the Santa Monica Playhouse, and the Broadway production of "The Great Indoors" with Geraldine Page and Curt Jurgens. Braeden was extremely active in Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign, serving as the keynote speaker in several rallies across the country. In 1989, Braeden was chosen as the only actor to be on the newly formed German-American Advisory Board. The group includes Dr. Henry Kissinger, Katherine Graham, Alexander Haig, Steffi Graf and Paul Volcker. He and his wife, Dale, have been married since 1966 and live in Los Angeles. Their son, Christian Gudegast, and his wife, Stacey, have a daughter, Tatiana. Braeden's birth date is April 3.

• * *

TRACEY E. BREGMAN

(Lauren Fenmore in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Tracey E. Bregman portrayed Lauren Fenmore on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1983 to 1995 and returned to the role in 2001. She also crossed over to play the same character in the CBS daytime drama "The Bold and the Beautiful" from 1995 to 1998 and again in 2004. Bregman received a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of "Outstanding Younger Leading Actress" for her role in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1985. Born in Munich, Germany, Bregman lived in London, England, until the age of 10 before settling in Southern California. She studied acting with Francis Lederer at the American National Academy of Theater Arts and at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and now studies with Gene Bua and John Homma. Bregman began her acting career in the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives." Her additional television credits include the after-school special "The Girl with E.S.P.," and the television movies "Three on a Date" and "Sex and Mrs. X." She was a series regular in "Second Family Tree," and guest-starred in the series "The Fall Guy," "Gavilan," "Fame" and "The Love Boat," as well as the Canadian series "The Littlest Hobo." Her feature film credits include "Happy Birthday to Me," "The Concrete Jungle," "The Funny Farm" and "Blue Devil," and began work on "Chat Room." She recently launched a line of yoga/athletic-inspired clothing called "Bountiful Buddha." Bregman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Ron Recht, and her two sons, Austin and Landon. Her birth date is May 29.

• * *

BRYTON
(Devon Hamilton in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Bryton joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 2004. He began his acting career at an early age, landing his first commercial when he was 2 years old. He was soon cast as Richie on the series "Family Matters." In addition to acting, Bryton has enjoyed success as a recording artist. He debuted his first single, "Ooh, the Way I Feel About You," in the German television series "Stars 2000," and has performed live on the international networks Viva, ZDF 5 and Giga TV, as well as on the Disney Channel and major broadcast networks in the United States. Bryton's credits also include voice-over work as Freddie in the animated series "Kids from Room 402," and Mowgli on "The Jungle Book" CD-ROM. An active spokesperson for many charitable organizations, Bryton founded his own charity in 1996 called "RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving) Kids," which has since been recognized by the U.S. government for outstanding youth safety work. He is a resident of Southern California. His birth date is Aug. 17.

• * *

SHARON CASE

(Sharon Collins Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Sharon Case, who joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in August 1994 as Sharon, received Daytime Emmy Award nominations in 1996 and 1997 as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. In 1999, she won a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She was nominated for the same award in 2000 and 2004. Prior to joining the series, Case portrayed Debbie in the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns," Dawn in "General Hospital" and Anne in "Valley of the Dolls." She also starred in "Breast Men" with David Schwimmer. Her additional television credits include "Cheers," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Silk Stalkings," on CBS, "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" and "Doogie Howser, M.D." She starred in the feature film "Diplomatic Immunities." Case was born in Detroit, Mich., and shortly thereafter moved to Chatsworth, Calif. Her birth date is Feb. 9.

• * *

JUDITH CHAPMAN

(Gloria Fisher Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Judith Chapman joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in January 2005. Chapman, the daughter of a retired Air Force general, was born in Greenville, S.C., but spent most of her childhood living outside the United States. She began her acting career at the age of 14, working in commercials and "spaghetti westerns" while living in Spain. After graduating from Stephens College with a degree in theater, Chapman headed to New York, where she began working in commercials and theater. She also joined the Actors' Studio, and landed a role in the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns." She went on to appear in the daytime dramas "Ryan's Hope," "General Hospital," "One Life to Live" and "Days of Our Lives." Chapman's other television credits include "The Fall Guy," and on CBS, "Murder, She Wrote," "Magnum, P.I." and "Silk Stalkings," as well as the television movies "Mortal Fear," "Farrell for the People" and "Five of Me." She currently hosts the travel show "Hello Paradise." Chapman also appeared in several feature films, including "28 Days," "The Sweetest Thing," "Night of the Running Man" and "Scorpio One." Chapman mounted the play "The Belle of Amherst," based on the life of Emily Dickinson, which she successfully toured throughout the United States. She also directed "Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical," "Equus," and "Born Yesterday," and performed in "Sordid Lives," "Orson's Shadow" and "Blythe Spirit." Chapman lives with her life partner, James, in Palm Springs, Calif., where he owns St. James Restaurant. Her birth date is Nov. 15.

• * *

JEANNE COOPER

(Katherine Chancellor in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Emmy Award-nominated actress Jeanne Cooper celebrated a record 30 years on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in January 2004. As the longest-running cast member on the show, Cooper has earned five Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and one for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Cooper was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Daytime Emmy Awards. Cooper earned her first Emmy nomination in 1961 for an episode of "Ben Casey" and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993. Her recurring role on "L.A. Law," playing the mother to her real-life son, Corbin Bernsen, earned her another Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series in 1987. Her additional television credits include "Playhouse 90," "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason," all on CBS, "The Untouchables," "Maverick" and "Bracken's World." An accomplished film and television actress, Cooper was born and raised in Taft, Calif. She attended the College of the Pacific and performed in the Civic Light Opera Company and Revue Theatre in Stockton before graduation from the Pasadena Playhouse School. Her professional career began with the film "The Redhead from Wyoming," followed by "The Man from Alamo," "There Was a Crooked Man," "The Boston Strangler," "Tony Rome," "The All-American Boy," "The Glory Guys," "Kansas City Bomber" and "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." Cooper is the mother of three children, Caren, Collin and Corbin, and grandmother of eight. Her birth date is Oct. 25.

• * *

DOUG DAVIDSON
(Paul Williams in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Doug Davidson joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as private investigator Paul Williams in May 1978. Davidson was nominated for his first Daytime Emmy Award in 2003 in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was awarded the 1997 Soap Opera Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also received Soap Opera Awards for Outstanding Hero in 1991 and 1992. For six years, from 1998-2003, Davidson hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade on the Network. He was also the host of the nighttime version of the game show "The Price Is Right." He co-starred in the Judith Krantz mini-series "I'll Take Manhattan" and appeared as a guest star in "Diagnosis Murder" both on CBS and "The Initiation of Sarah." Davidson was the master of ceremonies for the Miss California Pageant and hosted the Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Telethon. He co-starred with Paul Reiser in the feature film "Mr. Write," and had supporting roles in the films "Don't Stop Now" and "Fraternity Row." He and his wife, actress Cindy Fisher, have two children, Calyssa and Caden. His birth date is Oct. 24.

• * *

EILEEN DAVIDSON

(Ashley Abbott Carlton in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Eileen Davidson originated the role of Ashley Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1982. She departed the show in 1989 and returned in 1999. Davidson was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2003, and was nominated for a Soap Opera Award for Favorite Return in 1999. In 1998, she made daytime television history for portraying five characters at one time in "Days of Our Lives," and was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performances. She previously appeared in the daytime drama "Santa Barbara." Davidson also starred in the series "Broken Badges" and the television movie "Sharing Richard," both on CBS. Her feature film credits include "Eternity," "Easy Wheels" and "The House on Sorority Row." A native of Southern California, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Vincent Van Patten, her son, Jesse, and two stepsons, Duke and Vinny. Her birth date is June 15.

• * *

DON DIAMONT
(Brad Carlton on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Don Diamont rejoined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in June 1998 in the role of Brad Carlton. He previously portrayed the character from 1984-1995, during which time he was the first actor from daytime to be chosen by People magazine for their "50 Most Beautiful" issue. A native New Yorker, Diamont grew up in Los Angeles. While attending college, he auditioned for renowned acting teacher Nina Foch and was accepted into her scene class. Diamont's training led him to be signed by an agent and cast in the daytime drama series "Days of Our Lives." After his role ended in 1984, he was cast in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Diamont had the starring role in the feature film "Marco Polo," as well as a supporting role in "A Low Down Dirty Shame." He has guest-starred in numerous primetime series and co-starred in the television movies "Country Justice," on CBS, and "Loyal Opposition." Diamont most recently appeared in the feature film "Anger Management." When Diamont is not working, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Cindy, and his six sons. His birth date is Dec. 31.

• * *

JERRY DOUGLAS
(John Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Jerry Douglas joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 1982. Born and raised in Chelsea, Mass., Douglas won a football scholarship to Brandeis University, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in economics. He launched his acting career upon graduation from college, studying with famed acting teacher Uta Hagen in New York and with Jeff Corey in Los Angeles. Over the span of his career, Douglas has starred in numerous television series, including "The Rockford Files," "Police Story," "The Streets of San Francisco," "House Calls," "Hill Street Blues," "Hunter," "Night Watch" and "Melrose Place." He has appeared in many television commercials and has been the national spokesperson for Cadillac and Whirlpool. His feature film credits include "Avalanche," "Looker," "Mommie Dearest" and Oliver Stone's "JFK." In addition to acting, Douglas is also a screenwriter and develops projects through his production company, Jovra Films. Douglas, his wife, Kym, and their son, Hunter, live in Encino, Calif. Douglas has two grown children, Jod and Avra, from a previous marriage. His birth date is Nov. 12. * * *

JOHN ENOS

(Bobby Marsino in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

John Enos joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as nightclub owner Bobby Marsino in April 2003. Born and raised in Boston, Mass., Enos attended Bentley and Salem State Universities. Enos has appeared in numerous feature films, including "Phone Booth," "The Kings of Brooklyn," "Love Thy Neighbor," "Redemption of the Ghost," "Dead Sexy," "Point Doom," "Stealth Fighter," "Flawless," "Me and Will," "A Place Called Truth," "Blade," "Nowhere," "Bullet," "Dead of Night," "Raven Hawk," "Miami Hustle," "The Rock," "F.T.W.," "Till the End of the Night," "Unveiled," "Demolition Man," "Out of Control" and "Death Becomes Her." He appeared in the television series "Melrose Place" as Bobby Parezi from 1995 to 1996. Enos' additional television credits include "NYPD Blue," "Sex and the City," "Rude Awakening," "Red Show Diaries" and, on CBS, "Murder, She Wrote." His birth date is June 12.

• * *

MICHAEL GRAZIADEI
(Daniel Romalotti in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Michael Graziadei joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as Daniel Romalotti in May 2004. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Younger Actor" in 2005. Graziadei's television credits include "NCIS" on the Network and "Grounded for Life." He has appeared in numerous national commercials, including spots for Chevrolet and Jeep, and also did voice-over work for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Born in Germany, Graziadei made his stage debut at age 5 in a production of "The King and I." He later moved with his family to Nashua, N.H., where he began taking acting classes. A teacher's recommendation helped him land the role of Ensign Lovely in "The Basset Table," and he went on to perform in many other plays, including the period piece "The Servant of Two Masters" and Clive Barker's "History of the Devil." His birth date is Sept. 22.

• * *

AMELIA HEINLE

(Victoria Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Amelia Heinle joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 2005. A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Heinle moved to New York City immediately after high school, and landed a role in the daytime drama "Loving" at the age of 19. Heinle is best known for her portrayals of Mia Saunders in the daytime drama "All My Children" and Steffi Brewster in "Loving." She also appeared in the series "Monticello" and "Purgatory" and the television movie "Quicksilver Highway." Her feature film credits include "The Limey," "Creature Feature," "At Satchem Farm," "Black Cat Run" and "Liar's Poker." Heinle lives in Los Angeles with her son, August. Her birth date is March 17.

• * *

RACHEL KIMSEY
(Mackenzie Browning in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Rachel Kimsey joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 2005. She was born in Southern California and grew up in California and Utah. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she headed to New York City and began appearing in small plays and industrials. She soon landed the role of Daphne in the national tour of "Scooby-Doo Live." In addition to acting, Kimsey enjoys doing stunt work and spent six months in Taiwan performing in a live stunt show. She also performed stunts in the feature films "Taxi" and "Spider-Man 2." Her film credits include the independent features "Hell to Pay" and "Raw Footage." She also appeared in a guest-starring role on the television series "Medium." Kimsey resides in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Aug. 28.

• * *

CHRISTIAN JULES LeBLANC

(Michael Baldwin in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Christian Jules LeBlanc rejoined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 1997. He previously appeared on the show from 1991 to 1993. LeBlanc was nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2004. He won in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in 2005. Born in Fayetteville, N.C., LeBlanc grew up in New Orleans and graduated with honors from Tulane University. He has appeared in the television series "Cheers," "Gabriel's Fire" and, on CBS, "Perry Mason." In addition, he was a regular in the series "In the Heat of the Night" and played Kirk McColl in the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns." LeBlanc completed his first short film, "Puppy Love," with fellow New Orleanian Grace Zabriski; it was named "Best Short American Film" at the Los Angeles International Short Film Awards in April 2001. An award-winning artist who is currently writing and illustrating his first children's novel, LeBlanc lives in Los Angeles. His birth date is Aug. 25.

• * *

KATE LINDER
(Esther Valentine in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Kate Linder joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 1982. A native of Pasadena, Calif., Linder attended San Francisco State University and graduated with a bachelor of arts in theater arts, later appearing in numerous theatrical productions in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. She is active with the Make-a-Wish foundation and L.A. Shanti, among other charities, and has visited troops on U.S.O. tours to Afghanistan, Pakistan and South Korea, in addition to military bases in the United States. Linder is a founding member of TV Cares, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences AIDS awareness and fundraising arm. In addition to her role in the daytime drama, Linder also works as a United Airlines flight attendant, flying mostly on weekends. She is married to Ronald Linder, a health- care administrator and a leading expert and author on drug abuse, and lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Nov. 2.

• * *

THAD LUCKINBILL

(J. T. Hellstrom in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Thad Luckinbill joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in November 2000. Born and raised in Enid, Okla., Luckinbill attended the University of Oklahoma, where he majored in business finance. His mother, a singer, taught him to love music, and during his childhood, Luckinbill developed an affinity for playing the guitar. He has performed on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS numerous times. Luckinbill guest-starred in several television series, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Providence," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Nash Bridges," on the Network, and a five-episode arc in "8 Simple Rules..." Luckinbill also starred in the MTV documentary "True Life" and appeared in Madonna's video for "Don't Tell Me." He appeared in the feature film "Sleepover." His birth date is April 24.

• * *

JOSHUA MORROW

(Nicholas Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Joshua Morrow joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1994. He won a Soap Opera Digest Award as Outstanding Younger Lead Actor in 1996, and was nominated for five consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards (1996-2000) in the category of Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. His theater credits include local productions of "Ordinary People" and "Picnic" and lead roles in college productions of "The Rainmaker," "Road to Ruin" and "Staring into the Abyss." In April 1994, Morrow auditioned for "The Bold And The Beautiful" and was later cast in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. He also starred in the television movie "My Stepson, My Lover" opposite Rachel Ward. Born in Juneau, Alaska, and raised in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Southern California, Morrow lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tobe, and their sons, Cooper and Crew. His birth date is Feb. 8.

• * *

GREG RIKAART
(Kevin Fisher in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Greg Rikaart joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 2003. He won his first Daytime Emmy Award in 2005 in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Rikaart grew up in Staten Island, N.Y. He graduated with honors from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. While in college, Rikaart spent a semester in Washington, D.C., interning for a congressman on Capitol Hill. After moving to Hollywood to pursue his career as an actor, Rikaart began training with Howard Fine, and, early in his career, he appeared in the television series "As If," "Grounded For Life," "That's Life," "Gilmore Girls" and "Strong Medicine." Prior to landing the role of Kevin, Rikaart had a recurring role in "Dawson's Creek." He has also appeared in the feature films "X-Men 2" and "Prey for Rock and Roll." His birth date is Feb. 26.

• * *

VICTORIA ROWELL
(Drucilla Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Victoria Rowell returned to the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in July 2002 in the role of Drucilla Winters, a role she played previously from March 1990 to August 2000. Nominated for several Daytime Emmy Awards, Rowell has been honored with nine NAACP Image Awards for her theatrical contributions. Rowell has also received the first National Arts Award from the National Association of Counties and the United Nations Association Award in recognition of her contributions in educating and supporting foster children and her work for human rights and world peace. Born in Portland, Maine, Rowell was raised in foster care for 18 years. Under the auspices of the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, 8-year-old Rowell received a full scholarship to the Cambridge School of Ballet in Massachusetts, where she flourished as a ballet dancer, garnering scholarships to both the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theater by age 16. After dancing professionally with the American Ballet Theater II Company, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Twyla Tharp Workshop and the Juilliard School of Music Dance Extension Program, Rowell pursued a successful career in modeling before auditioning for her first television role. Rowell has since made guest appearances in numerous television programs and feature films and co-starred in "Diagnosis Murder," on the Network. In 1990, Rowell founded the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan, which sponsors foster children to study fine arts and attend reunification sports camps for foster siblings. Rowell lives in Los Angeles and has two children, Maya and Jasper. Her birth date is May 10.

• * *

MELODY THOMAS SCOTT
(Nikki Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Melody Thomas Scott celebrated 25 years as Nikki Newman in 2004, having joined the cast in February 1979. After garnering a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001. She also received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993,1995 and 1996). Scott appeared in her first film, Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie," when she was?8. Her other feature film credits include "Dirty Harry," "The Beguiled," "Posse," "The Fury" and "The Shootist." As a child, Scott studied singing, tap-dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous "Meglin Kiddies," performing in U.S.O. shows. She soon started booking national commercials and guests spots in such series as "Wagon Train," "My Three Sons" and "Ironside" and a recurring role in "The Waltons," on CBS. Her television credits include the mini-series "Studs Lonigan" and "Moviola: The Scarlett O'Hara War," the television movie "Secrets" and the series "Charlie's Angels," "Hotel," "The Rockford Files," and on CBS, "The Nanny," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The King of Queens." Recently, she was the subject of Lifetime Television's "Intimate Portrait." On stage, Scott starred in the critically acclaimed Los Angeles productions of "The Vagina Monologues," Jane Martin's "Talking with..." and "Love Letters." A Los Angeles native, she attended the University of Southern California as a piano major. She has been married since 1985 to Edward Scott, supervising producer of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. The couple has three daughters, Jennifer, Alexandra and Elizabeth. Her birth date is April?18.

• * *

MICHELLE STAFFORD

(Phyllis Summers Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Michelle Stafford played the role of Phyllis Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1994 through 1997, returning to the role in 2000. Stafford's talents earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1997 after two consecutive nominations. In 2003, after a three-year hiatus from the show, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and won in 2004. She was nominated again in 2005. Stafford's feature film credits include "Double Jeopardy" with Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones and "Vampires Anonymous." Her television credits include "Pacific Palisades," "Frasier," "Judging Amy," "JAG," "Diagnosis Murder," all on the Network, and "Strong Medicine." An avid hockey fan, she appeared as a hockey correspondent on Fox Sports Network's "The Best Damn Sports Show..." Her birth date is Sept. 14.

• * *

KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
(Neil Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

For his role in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Kristoff St. John won a 1992 Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1993, 1999, and 2000. In addition, St. John won the NAACP Image Award as Best Actor in a Daytime Drama in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003 and 2004. He has been nominated for the Image Award 10 times. He also received a Daytime Emmy nomination as Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in "Generations" in 1990 and 1991. After joining THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, he was nominated again in l993 in the same category and more recently as Best Supporting Actor. St. John's first television appearance was at the age of 7 in "That's My Mama," and he has been a regular in three primetime series: "The Bad News Bears" and "Charlie & Company," both on the Network, and "The San Pedro Beach Bums." His television credits include more than two dozen television guest roles in series such as "Suddenly Susan," "Arli$$," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Get Real," "Pensacola," "Martin," "Living Single," "For Your Love," "The Cosby Show" and "Diagnosis Murder," on the Network. Additionally, he had a recurring role in "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper." St. John's feature film credits include "The Champ," "Top of the Heap," "Avatarmania" and "Pandora's Box." St. John has formed a production company to produce and direct his own projects. In 1995 he produced and hosted the CBS series "CBS Soap Break," an up-close and personal look at CBS soap stars. He has also written, produced, directed and hosted two installments of a behind-the-scenes video series titled "Backstage Pass to the Daytime Emmys." St. John lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Allana, and his three children, Julian, Paris and Lola. His birth date is July 15.

• * *

JESS WALTON
(Jill Foster Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Jess Walton joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in June 1987. For her portrayal of Jill, Walton was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1997 and was nominated for Emmys in that category in 1996 and 2000. She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1990 as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and went on to win in 1991. Additional honors include a 1993 Soap Opera Award as Outstanding Lead Actress and a nomination for the same award in 1999. She has guest-starred in many television series including "The Rockford Files," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Ironside," "Starsky & Hutch" and, on CBS, "Cannon," "Barnaby Jones" and "Kojak." She starred in the CBS daytime drama "Capitol" for three years. She starred in the television movies "Montserrat," "You'll Never See Me Again," "The Storm," "Diary of a Madman" and "Mod Squad II." Walton studied at the Toronto Workshop Productions' Repertory Theater for three years and appeared in summer stock and repertory company productions including "Uncle Vanya" and "The Right Honorable Gentleman." Walton was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., and grew up in Toronto, Canada. She is married to the internationally renowned grief recovery authority John W. James. Walton and her husband live in Los Angeles with their son, Cole, and daughter, Allison. Walton's birth date is Feb. 18.

• * *

PATTY WEAVER
(Gina Roma in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Patty Weaver joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1982. Weaver's television career began with appearances in the series "Maude" and "All in the Family," both on the Network. She also appeared on "Days of Our Lives" for nine years. Before launching her acting career, Weaver formed the rock 'n' roll band The Loved Ones. She continues her singing career and has recorded several albums. Weaver keeps busy on the nightclub circuit, and she has opened for Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis and the late George Burns in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Born in Clarksburg, W.Va., and raised in Dayton, Ohio, she now lives in Southern California. Weaver is married to former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS writer Jerry Birn. Her birth date is Sept. 23.

• * *

LAUREN WOODLAND
(Brittany Hodges Marsino in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

In March 2000, Lauren Woodland joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Woodland began performing at age 5 in Arizona, where her mother enrolled her in ballet and tap-dancing classes. From there, she entered the audition circuit. After studying musical theater at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, Woodland transferred to the University of Southern California, where she majored in history and minored in religion. She has also completed a summer program in Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Woodland has made numerous primetime appearances, including "L.A. Law" and "Quantum Leap." She was a series regular in "The Dom DeLuise Show," on CBS, and "Alien Nation." The latter role earned her a Youth in Film nomination for Best Young Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series. In 2004, Woodland was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. Her other television credits include recurring roles in "Brotherly Love," as well as "Brooklyn Bridge," on CBS, and "Encore! Encore!" Her previous daytime appearances include recurring roles in "Port Charles" and "Sunset Beach." Woodland has also starred in the television movies "Teenage Confidential," "Willing to Kill," "The Last to Go," "When You Remember Me," "Family of Spies" and "An Enemy Among Us." Woodland lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Oct. 28.

• * *